FORMER City manager Bobby Gould today paid tribute to Matthews - his first boyhood hero.

"Reg was the first Coventry kid to play for England and he was the one player who we all looked up to," he said.

"All the young lads had a close affinity with him and I remember sitting outside his house when I was at Caludon Castle School and waiting for him to come out. He was a really down-to-earth guy who would get the bus to training.

"He was a great pro who followed the likes of Alf Wood into the team. He was full of life and a wonderful fellow and example to Coventry kids who wanted to get on in the game.

"I remember his training ground regime included putting his hands behind his back and diving to save shots with his body.

He used to tell the other players that if he could make so many saves with his body, just imagine what he could do on a Saturday afternoon using his hands!

"He really was my first boyhood hero and one of the first big names from the city to make it. I remember when he signed for Chelsea for #22,500.

"He was a big player in his day and he will be sadly missed. It is a sad day for Coventry and I would like to send my condolences to his family."

John Sillett was equally saddened by the loss of his former Chelsea colleague and friend.

"I can't believe it, I thought the world of him," said the legendary Sky Blues defender and FA Cup winning coach.

Sillett, now part of the England scouting network, has kept in touch with Reg and saw him recently. "He looked so ill but still showed all his old courage.

"Perhaps courage was his biggest strongpoint as a goalkeeper. He would plunge at a forward's feet with the only thought that of saving a goal. He had the lot.

"Reg was a great, great goalkeeper, without doubt one of the best of his era. He boasted an amazing ability to throw himself about and was the first England keeper to perform like the Continentals. He could turn in the air.

"I always joked with him that the biggest mistake of his career was leaving City to join Chelsea to stand behind a poor defence. I should know, I was one of 'em."

Matthews never settled in London and regularly travelled from his London home. He later joined Derby County where he again performed wonders.

Said Sillett: "Reg was a popular guy. You just couldn't help but like him. It has been a privilege to know him, an even bigger one to play in the same team."

Matthews was assistant to Coventry Sporting manager David Kite during their great FA Cup run of 1975 which saw them beat Tranmere 2-0 at Highfield Road.

Kite said: "He used to look at the opposition for us. He was charming chap who had a deep knowledge of the game. He made light of having played at the highest level and was always genuine and down to earth."